text: A number of synthetic targets possess hidden symmetry that may be discovered by applying a retrosynthetic "symmetrizing" transform. In the forward direction, this operation corresponds to a desymmetrization reaction. For instance, mevalonolactone may be synthesized rapidly from a symmetric diester via desymmetrizing hydrolysis, chemoselective reduction, and lactonization. Although the product itself is asymmetric, desymmetrization and functional group manipulations permit its synthesis from an achiral starting material.
  Enantioselective hydrolysis of a conjugated diester followed by ozonolysis affords the skeleton of ribose. The resulting sugars are then carried on for the synthesis of nucleosides.
  L-α-Methyldopa may be rapidly synthesized from an achiral malonate through a sequence beginning with desymmetrization. Subsequent chemoselective transformations convert the carboxylic acid to an amine.